When Life Gives You Lemons: What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

A second-hand car can not only save you money, but can also give you years of reliable service.

From popping the hood to inspecting the wheels, knowing the vital parts to check on a used car can save you the money and time spent at the garage. You’ll also avoid unnecessary repair costs.

Here are questions to ask when buying a used car:

1. Is the Paint Uniform on All Panels?

The consistency of the paint on a car will give you a lot of information about the car’s history and condition.

Look for a used car with uniform paint across all panels. It’s less likely to have been in an accident.

If some panels have better paint than others, it’s likely that the overall quality of the body is poor and rusty. You’ll need to spend more money to modify your car if you buy it.

2. Are the Tires Wearing Evenly?

You’ll expect the tires on a used car to be a little bit worn out. However, the consistency of the wear and tear along and across tire treads can tell you whether the car is a worthwhile investment.

Choose a car with tires that wear evenly. This shows that the wheels are well-balanced and other parts directly linked to the tires are in proper working condition.

If a tire has uneven signs of wear and tear, it could mean bad wheel alignment or worn suspension components.

Suspension parts can be very expensive to repair.

3. How Much Corrosion Is There Under the Hood?

Look for a car that has no corrosion on the exhaust system and any other metal and aluminum parts.

Too much rust is a sign that the car is poorly maintained or has been exposed to salty environments for long periods. You’ll likely have to replace many of the damaged parts under the hood in order to use the car.

4. Are There Any Diagnostic Error Codes?

Get a professional with an OBD2 reader to scan for any error codes on the used car. This will help you understand the overall health of the car’s engine.

But what kind of car should I get in this regard?

Get a car with no error codes for best performance and durability. You won’t have to incur any immediate costs fixing engine problems.

5. Does the Car Make Unusual Noises on a Test Drive?

Other than checking the engine for any anomalies, a test drive should also be on your checklist.

Ignite the engine, turn up the fan and the A/C. Listen carefully to pick out any unusual noises such as knocks and squeaks. This will give you a rough idea of the car’s history and condition.

In the end, choose a car that drives without any unusual noises from the wheels, shocks, and fans.

Where to Buy a Used Car: Private Seller or Dealership?

With a private seller, you can negotiate and end up with a great bargain. However, if you choose the dealership route, the final cost of the whole process can prove to be much lower.

You’ll enjoy legal protection, after-sale support, and even trade-in options. You can learn more here.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Now that you know what to look for when buying a used car, you need to know where exactly you can get quality used cars to make your work easier.